In this blog post, we will look at the concept of recipes in heat treatment and explain why controlling heat processes is so important. We will also look at the evolution from manual to automated solutions, in particular the role of Demig process controllers and control systems in modern heat treatment.
What are recipes in the context of heat treatment?
In heat treatment, the term "recipe" refers to a specific instruction or schedule for the heat treatment process of a particular workpiece. A recipe specifies the process flow as well as the associated parameters, such as the heating rate, the holding time at certain temperatures and the cooling rate. These specifications are critical to achieving the desired mechanical properties of the workpiece. The recipes serve as guidelines to standardize the process and ensure repeatable quality.
Why are the heat profiles important?
Accurate control of the heat profiles is of great importance as they have a direct influence on the material properties. An incorrect heat profile can lead to undesirable results, such as insufficient hardening or a change in the material structure. An optimally controlled heat process, on the other hand, enables the desired hardness, strength, and durability of the workpiece to be achieved.
How was it done in the past and how is it done today with modern solutions or automated solutions?
In the past, heat treatment was mainly done manually. The heat treaters had to regulate the furnaces manually and estimate the heat profiles based on empirical values. This led to a certain uncertainty and a strong dependence on the skills and knowledge of the individual heat treaters.
Nowadays, heat treatment has evolved thanks to modern technologies. Automated solutions such as Demig's process controllers and control systems enable precise and reliable control of heat processes. With the help of these solutions, heat treaters can enter the desired recipes into the system and let the processes run automatically. The Demig systems continuously monitor temperatures, times, and other parameters to ensure that the heat treatment process runs according to the specified requirements.
The advantages of an automated solution are obvious. By accurately controlling and monitoring the heat processes, companies can ensure high quality and reproducibility of their products. The dependence on individual heat treaters is reduced because the processes are standardized and automated. In addition, Demig solutions enable comprehensive documentation of the heat treatment processes, which is of great importance for quality monitoring purposes and auditing.